Current as of: May 9, 2024 - 18:52
Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Portugal, Spain
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MES
Trip Overview
Pilgrims and adventurers unite on a two-wheel journey to the holy town of Santiago de Compostela
Following the Atlantic shoreline, the Portuguese Camino coastal route is perhaps the most scenic of the numerous pilgrimage trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago. See it for yourself on this culture-crammed cycling adventure. Starting in Porto, we follow the coast north, before crossing into Spain and pedalling to our goal: Santiago de Compostela, reputed burial site of the Apostle, Saint James. Along the way, we stop in a string of atmospheric coastal towns, while also collecting our stamps to receive our Compostela certificate in Santiago – proof you have completed this historic pilgrimage.
At a Glance
- Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support
- 80 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 20 percent gravel roads and tracks
- Some climbs
- Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Six nights in three-to-four-star hotels and one night in a rural house hotel, all rooms en suite
- E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Enjoy stretching views of the Atlantic as you cycle north
- Cross the idyllic Galician countryside, where local people tend their vines
- Tour the monumental cathedral in Santiago
- Collect stamps for your pilgrim's passport along the way
- Receive your much sought-after Compostela certificate
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to call us.
- Six days of cycling
- Average distance: 29mi (46km) per day
- Partial vehicle support
- Terrain and route: 80 percent on paved quiet minor roads/cycle paths and 20 percent on a mixture of non-technical tracks and a few off-road sections
- Wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory
You can cycle with an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.
As we are passing through rural communities the roads are quiet with very little traffic; however, you will be sharing the route with walkers and cyclists all on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There are a few cobbled sections where you should take care, particularly in wet conditions. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a strong level of fitness.
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). Please see our Activity Level Guidelines for more information on classification and grading. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us.
Group
There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Porto
- End City: Santiago de Compostela
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: Porto
- End City: Porto
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Porto; transfer to accommodation
Those arriving on the group flight will be met by the tour leader at the airport and transferred to the start hotel by private vehicle. Depending on the time of arrival of the flight, your leader will arrange a short orientation tour in the historic centre of Porto. There is plenty to see and we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring more of the city.
Accommodation: Legendary Porto Hotel (or similar)
*Hotel Sao Jose 22 September departure
Start Porto
Depending on the time of your arrival in Porto, your leader will arrange a short orientation tour in the historic centre. There is plenty to see and we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring the city more.
Accommodation: Legendary Porto Hotel (or similar)
*Hotel Sao Jose 22 September departure
Leave Porto, cycle along the Atlantic to Esposende
Our cycling begins today, tracking the Atlantic north to the coastal town of Esposende; the day has the least climbs, which makes for a nice warm up. The first stage from Porto to the seaside town of Vila de Conde is particularly lovely, following the Douro river first and then the Atlantic coastline via a series of esplanades and boardwalks known as the Senda Litoral.
We likely pause for lunch at Vila do Conde, a one-time shipbuilding town with a historic centre and standout gothic monastery. This will be a great opportunity to taste some of the local fish dishes. We then continue to our base for the night, Esposende.
Accommodation: Hotel Save Mar (or similar)
Continue along the coast; lunch in Viana do Castelo; end in Praia de Ancora
Our second day of cycling continues along the Atlantic coastline. We cycle inland to enjoy the lush green countryside as we pass many villages to arrive a the Lima River and then cross the Ponte Eiffel, an iron bridge built in 1878 by Gustave Eiffel and his then partner Theophile Seyrig.
Our goal is Viana do Castelo, an attractive medieval town with a long maritime history. We will stop for lunch, before cycling up the coast to Praia de Ancora, a one-time fishing village and now a popular seaside resort with a 17th-century fort (Forte da Lagarteira) and beautiful sandy beaches. We may have a chance to swim in the sea, though the water can be a little cold and choppy.
Accommodation: Hotel Meira (or similar)
Coastal route and quick boat ride to Spain; lunch in Oia; end in Baiona
Today, we cycle along the coast (taking in more lovely views of the Atlantic as we go) and bid Portugal a fond farewell, taking a five-minute boat ride across the Miño river from the medieval town of Caminha. We will stop for lunch in the quaint seaside village of Oia, home to the 12th-century Santa Maria monastery.
Our final destination of the day is the lovely Galician town of Baiona, a favourite vacation destination for the Spanish though little-known by the rest of the world. Upon arrival, we may be able to take a dip in the Atlantic. The bay-sheltered waters here are likely to be a little warmer and calmer than yesterday.
Accommodation: Hotel Bahia Baiona (or similar)
Cycle to Vigo, lunch in Redondela; arrive in Pontevedra
We continue along the coast today with views of the Cies Islands until we reach the outskirts of Vigo. We follow the river through the city, allowing us to avoid the urban sprawl, before we head to lunch in Redondela.
After food, we cycle inland to join the interior Portuguese Camino route and join many other Pilgrims. We will cross the 10-arch medieval bridge of Puente Sampayo before climbing the steep pass of Alto da Canicouva. We then descend into our destination for the day, Pontevedra, once a thriving port city and now home to one of the oldest historic quarters in Galicia.
Accommodation: Hotel Galicia Palace (or similar)
Pedal through rural Galicia; visit Caldas de Reis; finish in Padron
Today we cross the Galician countryside, an idyllic rural landscape dotted with traditional villages. Many of the local people here produce their own white wine and we see their vines as we go. About halfway, we visit Caldas de Reis, where ancient Romans would make use of the hot thermal waters. There is now a fountain here where spring water pours out at a very pleasant temperature. We then continue cycling to Padron, a traditional town and our last stop before Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation: A Casa Antigua do Monte (or similar)
Cycle to Santiago de Compostela; walking tour of town and farewell dinner
It’s our final day of cycling and we only have 15.5mi (25km) to cover, allowing us plenty of time in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour of the town, which includes a visit to the cathedral where Saint James is said to have been buried. If you’d like, the guide can take your passport to the Pilgrim’s Office to collect your Compostela certificate, allowing you to avoid the queues and enjoy more of this beautiful holy town.
In the evening, we have our farewell group dinner in a nice restaurant in Santiago centre, an excellent chance to relive our adventures together.
Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez (or similar)
*Hotel Compostela 9 June departure
Transfer to Porto airport; fly to London
The trip ends after breakfast with a transfer (approximately two to three hours) to Porto airport for your departure flight. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Santiago de Compostela or Porto hotel.
End Santiago de Compostela
The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start your return journey home. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Santiago de Compostela or Porto hotels.
Accommodation
We spend seven nights in three-to-four-star hotels and one night in a casa rural, each chosen for their comfort and location. Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or a sea view.
Examples of hotels used:
- Porto: Legendary Porto Hotel
- Esposende: Hotel Suave Mar
- Praia de Âncora: Hotel Meira
- Baiona: Hotel Baia Baiona
- Pontevedra: Hotel Galicia Palace
- Padron: A Casa Antigua do Monte (Casa Rural)
- Santiago: Hotel Gelmirez (Hotel Compostela for 9 June departure)
Single supplement from £ 420
Food & Drink
All breakfasts are included.
Breakfasts will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians: A meat and fish diet is the norm in northern Portugal and Spain; however, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems. Most restaurants will offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives but there will not be as many options to choose from. Please note, mealtimes in Portugal and Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.
Transport
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be available with assistance or if you choose to sit out a section of the ride. A guide cycles with the group.
Weather & Seasonality
In April and October, expect temperatures of 5C-15C (41F-59F) with a high chance of rain showers. In the mornings, it is often cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May and September tend to be warmer. Expect a combination of sun, light showers, and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 15C-30C (59F-86F).
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Legendary Porto Hotel, Praça da Batalha 127 130, 4000-102 Porto, Portugal
Phone: +351 22 339 2300
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Porto Airport (OPO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 30 mins drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Porto
Location end: Santiago de Compostela
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
We recommend packing the following items:
- Normal daily clothes (for the earlier departures you may need some warmer layers)
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Trek Marlin 6 (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Kalkhoff Tasman Impulse 8R HS electric bikes (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag are available on this trip; prices from £125/US$175/208 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting rucksack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
Visa
Portugal
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Vaccinations and Health
Portugal
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Portugal's time zone: Europe/Lisbon (UTC +01:00)
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Portugal's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Portugal's currency: Euros (EUR)
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are cash points available in most towns along the route and most places take credit and debit cards, though cash is generally easier for smaller payments.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
There are restaurants all along the Portuguese Coastal Camino offering set lunches and dinners for approximately €12-€15 specifically aimed at those travelling the route. The exception would be the special group dinner in Santiago de Compostela for approximately €30. We recommend you allow about €200- €250 overall; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For your driver, we recommend approximately €15-€20 per person.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Read more about our other initiatives
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- This trip travels through Galicia, which produces the second-most renewable energy in Spain and has the second-highest wind-power production.
- Our local partner is a member of the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Community and have made the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Pledge
- Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the local people, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.